What happens to the corpses of bacteria when it dies, are there just dead bacteria cells everywhere? Where does it go?

Question

What happens to the corpses of bacteria when it dies, are there just dead bacteria cells everywhere? Where does it go?

In: 22

Answer 1

They break down into component molecules and proteins that are then consumed by other organisms.

In bacterial infections this breakdown can sometimes cause you to get paradoxically sicker with treatment. For example, patients with stage 2 syphilis usually see a worsening of symptoms and have a flu-like reaction within 6-12 hours of starting antibiotics that lasts for about 24-48 hours. It’s caused by the rupture of the syphilis bacteria releasing toxins into the body which triggers an intense imuno-response.